Colman Noctor: Focus on schoolchildren, not on smartphone pouches
"The main argument for introducing smartphone pouches hinges on the hope that they will minimise student distractions during school. It’s a view backed by a 2023 Unesco report that found that phones are disruptive in class"
The debate over introducing smartphone pouches in schools has polarised educators, parents, and policymakers. While much of the discussion has been around the potential cost of these pouches, circa €9m, our focus should be on the benefits and risks of such an approach.
The main argument for introducing smartphone pouches hinges on the hope that they will minimise student distractions during school. It’s a view backed by a 2023 Unesco report that found that phones are disruptive in class. Many teachers I’ve spoken to echo this finding, saying smartphones can be a significant distraction, with students texting, playing games, or browsing social media during classes, negatively affecting their learning and engagement.
